Tag: Celebrations

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Craft Group celebrate 10 years of creations and fundraising

This year marks a special milestone for the Willow Wood Hospice Craft Group as they celebrate 10 wonderful years of crafting and raising funds to support patient care.

The group, made up of Jean McGuire from Denton, Sue Dray from Stalybridge, Lynn Fielding from Dukinfield, Gwen Towell from Ashton-under-Lyne, Yvonne Davison from Denton, and their newest member Rose Dawson from Mottram, meets every Friday morning at the Hospice.

From 10am to midday, you’ll find them knitting, crocheting, sewing, and sharing stories over their latest creations.

Their talents know no bounds as they make beautiful handmade crafts and goodies for all ages.

These are sold at events held both at the Hospice and in the wider community, including at carnivals, fairs and fun days.

Over the past decade, the group has raised around £10,000 – and that’s on top of the thousands of volunteer hours they’ve gifted in the process.

Much of their materials are donated through our charity shops, but when needed, they’re happy to chip in and buy supplies themselves.

(left to right) Lynn, Rose, Yvonne and Jean had a stall at our recent Butterfly Memory Release event.
(left to right) Lynn, Rose, Yvonne and Jean had a stall at our recent Butterfly Memory Release event.

They’ve even inspired others in the community to donate homemade items for the group to sell – a true ripple effect of kindness.

For Jean, she is giving back as a thank you for the care the Hospice gave to both her mum and her husband.

“We’re all retired and crafting is a passion of ours, so we turned it into something meaningful by supporting the Hospice,” she said. “We really enjoy volunteering for a good cause which means a lot to us all. Ten years has gone so fast!”

Sue, who also makes jewellery for the group, added: “There’s a real community feel at Willow Wood and it feels like we are making a difference. The Hospice is a necessity for the area – I saw both of my parents die in hospital, and the care Willow Wood provides is so important.”

Lucy Ta’ati, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood, said: “The Craft Group are such a dedicated and talented bunch. Not only have they raised thousands of pounds, but they bring so much warmth and creativity to everything they do. We’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support – they are a shining example of the difference volunteers can make.”

The group is always happy to welcome new members – whether you’re a seasoned needle crafter or crafter, or you’re just getting started. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, enjoy your craft, and raise vital funds for patients with a life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop.

Interested in joining the group? Find out more and register your interest at willowwood.org.uk/volunteering.

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Willow Wood unveils bold new five-year strategy

Willow Wood Hospice has officially launched a new strategy, setting out its vision to remain at the heart of the Tameside and Glossop communities it serves.

The 2025–2030 strategy aims to guide the organisation through the next five years with a clear focus on sustainability, community engagement and continued excellence in care.

Developed through a series of workshops, surveys and open discussions, the strategy reflects the shared values and ideas of the Willow Wood workforce – comprising staff and volunteers.

The result is a 24-page publication that not only offers an insight into the Hospice’s services, but also outlines a bold plan for the future, including a key aim to achieve a balanced and sustainable financial position by 2028.

Hospice patron and local councillor Taf Sharif (left) and the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Martin Ainscough CBE DL.

At its core, the strategy identifies four key strategic priorities:

Communication – strengthening internal and external communication, community engagement, and branding and identity.

Quality of care – the care and experience patients receive, support for patients and families, and valuing recognition and feedback.

People – focusing on leadership and management, nurturing a supportive and inclusive team culture, and workforce development and education.

Sustainability – robust income generation, effective financial management, strong governance and rigorous quality control.

To mark the occasion, a celebration event was held at the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne on Friday (20th June) with staff, volunteers and invited external partners in attendance.

Among those present were Martin Ainscough CBE DL, High Sheriff of Greater Manchester; Councillor Jodie Brown, the Civic Chair of Derbyshire County Council; representatives from Tameside Council’s Adult Social Care team; and NHS Greater Manchester.

Willow Wood Hospice CEO Tracy Minshull (right) with Councillor Jodie Brown, Civic Chair of Derbyshire County Council.

The event featured speeches from Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice; Timothy Jackson, Chair of the Board of Trustees; and Hospice patron and local councillor Taf Sharif.

Some guests also enjoyed guided tours of the Hospice’s tranquil gardens in the sunshine, led by Head Gardener Sophie Cordingley and garden volunteer David Johnson.

CEO Tracy Minshull said: “When I joined the Hospice just over a year ago, I outlined my vision to create a new strategy that would guide us into the future and emphasised that our volunteers and staff combined are one workforce.

“I am proud to launch our plan for meaningful progress over the next five years. By working together with our workforce, supporters and partners, we will rise to the challenges and continue to deliver the high-quality, specialist care that defines Willow Wood Hospice.

“Thank you to our staff, volunteers, trustees and patrons for helping to shape the strategy. Their hard work, ideas and passion have been key in creating a plan that reflects our shared vision and commitment to care. We look forward to delivering our services with their continued support.”

The full strategy document is available to view and download from the Hospice’s website at www.willowwood.org.uk/strategy

Printed copies are also available at the Hospice and in its charity shops across Tameside and Glossop.

Hospice volunteers Barbara Lawton (left) and Eileen Smith with trustee John Maltby.
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Hospice celebrates milestone and end of an era

Willow Wood Hospice has been celebrating 25 years of providing compassionate care to patients from the local community.

On Friday 24th May, long-serving staff and volunteers past and present gathered in the Hospice gardens for a special tree-planting ceremony.

Hospice Patron Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant, delivered a moving speech reflecting on our journey and growth before planting a commemorative tree with the very same spade that cut the first sod in 1997.

CEO Tracy Minshull (centre) with Willow Wood Hospice’s trustees at the tree planting ceremony

Chairman Philip Millson also spoke about the Hospice, inspiring everyone to share cherished memories, reminiscing about the early days and how far the organisation has come.

The celebrations continued the following Friday, 31st May, which was Karen Houlston’s last working day before she retired after 24 years of service to Willow Wood.

Karen with her celebratory retirement balloon display at the Hospice

Karen first joined the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, in January 2000 as a part-time bookkeeper.

With a finance background, she fulfilled a number of roles – including Admin Manager, Finance & Services Lead and Hospice Exec Manager. After completing a Master’s Degree at Lancaster University in ‘Hospice Leadership’ in October 2013, Karen went on to become CEO.

Staff and volunteers who have worked with Karen came together for a wonderful BBQ, prepared by Willow Wood’s Catering team, in the Hospice gardens – where the Willow Wood Hospice Choir also sang for the occasion.

With some of her family also in attendance, Karen received a myriad of lovely gifts, a card and a beautiful retirement cake made by Lynn Valentine from the Hospice’s Catering team.

Karen cutting her retirement cake on her final working day at Willow Wood

Chair Philip Millson, Director of Finance Ian Wicks and Karen’s successor as CEO, Tracy Minshull, reflected on Karen’s achievements and wished her well for the future.

In an emotional speech, Karen shared: “I can honestly say that I have looked forward to every single day at Willow Wood Hospice and enjoyed every moment.”

As a surprise, a video montage of staff and volunteers holding up their personal retirement messages was played out to Karen on a screen during the BBQ.

Since 1999, the Hospice has been a centre of care and compassion, providing dedicated support to patients from across Tameside and Glossop with a life-limiting illness and those closest to them.

The significant milestone will also be commemorated at the 25th Anniversary Ball at The Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne on Friday (14th June).

Limited tickets are available at https://willowwood.org.uk/events/the-ball/